UNHCR warns that operations for Sudanese refugees at breaking point

A year on from South Sudan’s independence, the situation for Sudanese refugees is critical. Around 200,000 people are now displaced in South Sudan and Ethiopia, with operations at breaking point due to sheer numbers, dangerous conditions and funding shortages.

UN High Representative Antonio Guterres explains, “The complexity of the Sudan crisis sets it apart. More help is urgently needed”.

In the field...

Around 112,000 Syrian refugees have now sought refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, of whom an overwhelming 75 per cent are women and children. UNHCR has been forced to increase its original appeal to £124 million due to estimates that the number of Syrian refugees could almost double by the end of 2012.

Refugee story

A year ago and Aden was so weak he was unable to move. In the months since the Horn of Africa crisis, the 22 year old has regained his weight and strength, can eat, walk and sleep and is now “even handsome”. This is the story of how UNHCR responded to a life and death crisis.

In the news

In the six months since refugees began fleeing Mali in January this year, 356,000 people have been displaced. UNHCR is struggling to provide for the continuing influx due to a funding shortfall of over £75 million. How can you help?

Fifty-four people have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, with the sole survivor, an Eritrean, being treated for dehydration in Tunisia. So far in 2012, over 1,300 people have arrived by boat to Italy from Libya. Read more

Renewed fighting over the last week in Democratic Republic of the Congo's North Kivu province has caused more than 5,000 people to flee across the border into south-west Uganda and left an unknown number internally displaced. Get the full story

As the Olympics kick off at the end of July we are celebrating the role of refugees in the Games. Take a look at the profiles of four unsung heroes contributing to the world’s greatest sporting event, and find out about our Giving is Winning programme.